I Love My Life

After a long day of studies and plenty of time spent focusing, reading, and digesting information, I stop to breathe.

I'm lounged back on the couch with my furry children scattered about the room. All four of them in their favorite nooks. The cup from my afternoon smoothie sits beside me... and I'm happy.

Suddenly that happiness takes over my thoughts and I'm sent reflecting on where I've come from and where I am. These times, this part of my life which seems so ordinary, is the best part I've yet to live.

Stability, love, family.

For so long there's been such chaos, but now I have peace and have finally come to terms with that and how wonderful it can be.

I'm stable in my relationship, in my schooling, in my interests.

I have a fella who loves me with all my quirks and possibly even loves me more for having them.

I have my four furry babes who drive me crazy, yet bring me more love than I could ever imagine and fulfill my need to nurture, protect, and care for them.

I accept myself fully for who I am.

I'm happy. Just happy.

...and it feels so good.

Love Love Love,

Sara

100 Truths of Sara: Take 2

100 Truths of Sara

11. I sometimes wonder about dog life. Do they feel exposed pooping in a yard with a chain-link fence and people constantly driving by? Are they happy? WHY do they lick each others butt holes? You know, those sorts of things.

12. I absolutely love reading books about advertising, consumerism, and so on, but at the same time love buying stuff. Mostly re-used or hand-crafted, but STILL.

13. I think you could blindfold me and I could tell you which of my three dogs is which just by smell alone.

14. Water + Me = LOVE

15. I love challenging family members (and now Eric) to game challenges. Aggravation, Computer Solitaire or Mind Sweeper, Mancala? Best out of 5..or...7...or wait I'm losing..how 'bout best out of 10!?

16. When we're settled in a home we're going to stay at I'm planting a Mimosa tree. My favorite. A dogwood and a weeping willow too if we have room.

17. I have to fall asleep with no skin exposed except for my head. I may wake up sweaty, but it's the only way I can feel safe and cozy enough to fall asleep.

18. I once had an albino pacman frog named Sunny.

19. A good sandwich will keep me happy all day.

20. I have plans to buy a camper for myself, E, and the pooches to travel around in for vacations. Not anytime soon, but one day! That way we don't have to leave anybody behind. Except maybe Roxanne. We'll see how she likes to travel. Kiddos can come too when we have 'em of course.


Love and Truths,
Sarbear


Previous Installments:
Take 1

Booty Busting Days

So, dudes, the other day I woke up and was all Whoooaaa I've been being super unhealthy.

Whoooa I've gained back all the weight I'd lost before.

Whooooa I really wish I felt more energetic and that my pants fit.

So? So I joined Weight Watchers online to help me get a grip.

I did this back in the day, but without really sticking it out. I was a fan, yet had some beefs, but now I love the dang thing. The new system is the bees knees.

One week in and feeling good.

Plus, I've eaten restaurant pizza, an entire pint of soy COOKIE DOUGH ice cream, lots of chips, salsa and guacamole, and plenty of other good stuff and still had much success.

Why? Cause I still ate tons of nutritious foods and found a great balance.

And? And I had treats as treats, not as all day every day foods.

That's why I love this program. I try on my own and just can't find a balance, but this dang thing helps me get things straight again.

So yeah, sticking to that until I'm to a healthier weight for my body and then continuing on. I'm talking long haul. It'll definitely help with my hormonal health issues and increase pregnancy chances.

And duh, if I get pregnant I'll stop, no worries.

I'm not crazy. Just want to be healthier for me and my future kiddo morridos.

One week down, along with 5.5lbs!

I'll take it!

And um I'm not actually showing weight numbers right now, but I'm 5'11" and have like 50-60 extra pounds on my bootay, so take that as you will. 

Instead I'll share these fancy charts. Everyone loves a fancy chart.

So, expect plenty of future posts about healthy junk.

Sound good?

Are you doing anything to live a healthier lifestyle? Ever fiddled with the new Weight Watchers? Let me know!

Protein and Fiber,

Sarbear

P.S. Who rocked it out at school this week? I did! Reward here I come! I have to drive my car 50 miles just because before tomorrow morning (long story), so I might as well pick up my flowers along the way!

School Rewards: The Plan

Let's admit, for some of us, school's not a walk in the park.

Sure, I'm intelligent, have a wonderful g.p.a., enjoy learning, and always have things in on time.

What isn't seen is the struggle. The forcing myself to class rather than turning around, hopping back into my cozies, and curling up with my critters and a good book.

What isn't seen is the staying up until crazy hours and pushing out a paper the night before, and all the stress that comes with it.

So? So with two semesters remaining, I'm aiming to change all that.

I aim to do all my work from 9-5 Monday-Friday and still have my nights and weekends free for friend and family time. I'm really hoping to make this happen and treat school like a job. I'm lucky to not be working (in a traditional sense) right now, so if I can make school my job, that'd be great.

I aim for less stress and more enjoyment of my academics.

How am I going to motivate myself in such?

Oh, you know, rewards!

For each week I complete according to my goals, there will be a reward:

Week 1: A big bouquet of flowers

Week 2: A new pair of flats for the coming fall and a haircut

Week 3: Piece of jewelry of my choice from etsy

Week 4: Holga lens for Nikon DSLR
Week 5: Little Blue Ribbon Wide Angle Camera
Week 6: An art print from etsy
Week 7: $40 shopping spree for any craft supplies I'd like, without guilt. I may finally get some of that fancy tape!
Week 8: Halfway reward! Fuji Instax Camera and film!
Week 9: Earrings or necklace from etsy
Week 10: A clothing item of my choice. Boots, pants, dress, doesn't matter!
Week 11: 2 yards of fabric from Spoonflower
Week 12: Supplies for a succulent garden from the Botanical Gardens
Week 13: Movie and Dinner of my choice with my guy
Week 14: More Stamp Carving Blocks (4 of them at least!)
Week 15: A bouquet of flowers and $20 coffee shop gift card to motivate me through finals
Week 16-Finals: Final reward! "Golden Half" Half Frame 35mm camera

That oughta make school fun!


I know it looks super materialistic and what not, but if that's what will motivate me this semester, I'm all for it. These are all things I'd buy along the way anyway, but this way I only get them if I work for them.


Love and Whatever it takes,
Sarbear

Bamboo Pen

School is in full swing and already feeling like a ton of work, but I have a new toy to help me relax and tap into my artistic side when I need a break.

My bamboo pen just arrived today!

I've only played with it a few minutes, but am really excited for when I have the time for looking into tutorials and really getting a hang of things.

Here's a little pear I've scribbled so far:

So excited to keep playing!

Love and Drawing,

Sarbear

Elephant Rocks

At long last I'm here to share my photos from our Elephant Rocks adventure!

Sooo many pictures:

 

Love and Rocks

Sarbear

100 Truths of Sara: Take 1

100 Truths of Sara

Take 1:

1. I really wish I would have went with an art degree for my bachelors instead of Communications, but I love that too. Must take printmaking in the future or get lessons from our friend Linda (a printmaking instructor).

2.Nothing makes me happier than babies or dogs.

3. I didn't see myself being in a committed relationship, having a home, or thinking about children until I was at least 30...but here I am at 26 and very very happy with where I'm at.

4. If you have a chihuahua I'm going to follow your blog, if for nothing else but for pictures of your dog.

5. I have one brother and one sister. One niece and one nephew (by blood at least).

6. The first dog I ever loved deeply was named Patches and I'll never forget him. He was the best little country dog you could ever meet and we took many woodsy adventures and walks down gravel roads together.

7. My favorite character used to be Goofy, but then Dad took us to Florida and Goofy seemed stand-offish, so...wasn't my favorite much longer.

8. I once lived and worked on a sanctuary for rescued farm animals for three months.

9. Nature heals my heart like nothing else can.

10. I get high off of a good bargain or an amazing thrifted or rummaged find.

Over and Out,

Sarbear

Lucky

Been making wishes and hoping upon hope.

No big news, but I've won a couple giveaways today (more on those later), so maybe my luck is turning around?

Maybe my dearest wish will come true soon too.

I also think I'll be hosting a giveaway soon myself to pay it forward so look forward to that.

Love and Luck,

Sarbear

Pretty Stairs

That's all. It's been a strange day, but steps are pretty.

Love and Stairs,

Sarbear

Vloggin' Vednesday - What's New

Haven't linked up for this for a bit, so here with a short little video for your viewing pleasure!?

Untitled from Sara Arrr on Vimeo.

Head over to Adeline's Daddy for other folks!

See ya tomorrow with some pictures from Elephant Rocks.

Love and Bras,

Sarbear

Bean Brownies

When we were over at E's brother's house the other night, he had us try his black bean brownies.

They were good.

Ones I've made before? Not so good.

I made some again, his way, and they're excellent.

All you need:

1 Package Brownie Mix

1 Can Black Beans 

Preheat oven according to box directions.

First, rinse beans, put back into can, and fill to the top with fresh cool water.

Next, dump into food processor and blend until liquid.

Then you just pour the wet into the dry and stir with a sturdy fork until mixed through.

 

Then pour into pan (I sprayed mine with oil since there is none in batter to keep it from sticking).

Then bake according to box directions.

Mine took about 35 minutes. 

Allow to cool completely and cut into squares.

Viola!

Mine were nice and fudgey and perfect topped with a scoop of soy ice cream.

Other options?

Mix in nuts or fruit.

Benefits?

Added fiber, protein, and iron.

Less fats and cholesterol.

Let me know if you try them.

Love and Sweets,

Sarbear

Random Snippets

Just imagine this as one of those instagram type post, but you know, for those of us with crappy phones which are held together by a rubberband.

Which really means, random photos from my regular camera.

Our Jasper(illo Armadillo). Love this silly boy!

 Resting my beat up knee a lot. Busted it up at Johnson Shut-Ins a little over a week ago, but it's healing up okay I think. Still had a blast regardless. I was lucky it didn't happen until the end of the day.

 Sending out orders and mail for customers, friends, family. I love the good ol' USPS!

 Crafting while watching my teen dramas. Right now it's Friday Night Lights (no..I don't even like football, but I do love a good teen drama regardless).

Bringing home big fat sticks for our biggest, yet youngest, fur-ball. 

Drinking so so so much water. If it's the only healthy habit I've been keeping, at least it's a good one!

Love and Random Crap,

Sarbear